Philippe Coutinho is expected to complete his move to Barcelona this week (Picture: Getty)

Philippe Coutinho looks set to complete a £148million transfer to Barcelona this week, but Liverpool are reportedly requesting that the deal is delayed as they push to sign a replacement in Thomas Lemar or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Reds have held talks with Monaco over Lemar, with various rumours of a big-money bid and the offer of Divock Origi on loan as part of the move, though it remains to be seen if it will prove to be enough.

Monaco have so far resisted interest in Lemar all summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United also admirers of the talented 21-year-old, who played a major role in the club’s Ligue 1 title win last season.

Still, Liverpool could be presented with a cheaper option in Gunners winger Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is keen to quit the north Londoners for a move to Anfield after rejecting an offer from Chelsea.

Coutinho has been keen to force a move to the Nou Camp (Picture: Getty)

According to Yahoo Sport, Liverpool’s interest in signing an attacking midfield replacement is the reason behind the delay on Coutinho’s switch to the Nou Camp, though the move does now look set to go through.

The report claims that the Brazil international has told he will be a Barca player this week, with the player causing something of a stir after being found to be ‘in perfect condition to play’ for his national team despite not yet playing for Liverpool this season.

Coutinho had been left out by Jurgen Klopp over supposed problems with a sore back, but this followed much speculation that the 25-year-old was ready to go on strike in order to force through his desired move to Barcelona.

Thomas Lemar is being eyed to replace Coutinho (Picture: Getty)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could also be an option for Liverpool (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool 2017/18 Fixtures

Brighton (H) - Sun May 13
Real Madrid (N) - Champions League -Sat May 26

The Catalan giants have plenty of money to spend after losing Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in a shock £199m deal, and have already swooped to sign Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund.

Club chief Robert Fernandez hinted yesterday, however, that he would ideally like to sign two more players before the transfer deadline, and refused to rule out bringing in an attacking midfielder when asked about Coutinho and about PSG’s Angel Di Maria.

Meanwhile, Liverpool also hope to strengthen defensively before the end of the summer as they continue to pursue Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, in what could potentially be a late spending spree in the region of £145m.

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